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Apps Like MoneyLion: 12 Better Ways to Get Paid Early

An iPhone displaying its home screen sits on a desk in front of a computer monitor.

Key takeaways:

  • Compare app fees before making a final decision. Subscription costs, instant transfer fees, and optional tips vary widely, so knowing the true cost helps you keep more of your money.
  • Match the app to your situation. Higher limits suit larger gaps, while fee-free options (like Klover) work best for smaller, recurring shortfalls.
  • Stack apps strategically. Using multiple cash advance apps can increase your total available funds but only borrow what you can comfortably repay on payday.
  • Protect your data. Look for apps with strong encryption and clear privacy policies, especially since you're connecting your bank account.
  • Borrow responsibly. Cash advances bridge timing gaps, not income gaps; treat them as a short-term tool, not a long-term solution.

When bills are due, a few days can make a big difference. Whether it’s groceries, gas, or something else, sometimes you just need a little extra cash before payday, which is why you downloaded MoneyLion to get cash advances on your paycheck.

But maybe MoneyLion isn’t working for you, and now you’re comparing other apps. Dozens of cash advance apps are out there, and each has different limits, fees, and features. Finding the right fit when you’re already stressed about money can feel overwhelming.

Check out our list of MoneyLion alternatives to see if one is a better fit for your situation. 

Why you might need a MoneyLion alternative

With cash advances and banking tools, MoneyLion is a good fit for some users. But for others, their specific needs may not align with what MoneyLion offers. You might be looking for a MoneyLion alternative due to unclear fee structures or cash advance limits that are lower than you expected. 

Luckily, there are now more cash advance apps than ever for you to choose from. A cash advance app is a mobile app that lets you access part of your upcoming paycheck before payday. These apps don’t require a credit check or a traditional loan application. They can help bridge short-term financial gaps, with repayment due once your paycheck comes in.

Each app offers slightly different fee structures and payment timing options. Each MoneyLion alternative has benefits and trade-offs. 

A quick look at the apps that pay you before payday

App Advance Amount Monthly Subscription Fees Instant Fees Credit Check
Klover Up to $400 Optional ($4.99 per month) $1.49–$19.99 No
MoneyLion Up to $1,000 None $0.49–$8.99 No
Dave Up to $500 $1 per month $3–$25 No
Earnin Up to $750 per pay period None $3.99+ No
Brigit Up to $250 $8.99–$15.99 per month Varies No
Chime SpotMe Up to $200+ None None, but ATM fees may apply No
Tilt (formerly Empower) Up to $400 $8 per month $1–$8 No
Albert Up to $250 Optional ($14.99+ per month) For external accounts, $5.99–$19.99 No
FloatMe Up to $200 $4.99 per month $1–$7 No
SoLo Funds Up to $625 None; tips optional Optional percentage No
Cleo Up to $250 Optional ($5.99–$14.99 per month) $3.99–$14.99 No
Varo Up to $500 None; flat fee per advance Included in flat advance fee No
Possible Finance Up to $300 $15 per month Free for members No

12 cash advance apps like MoneyLion

The best cash advance app will vary based on your situation. Maybe you’re looking for the app with the highest limit, or perhaps you just need money ASAP. Whatever the case, use this breakdown to explore 12 MoneyLion alternatives and find the best one for you. 

1. Klover

Klover is a cash advance app that lets you access part of your paycheck before payday, with no interest, no credit check, and no late fees. You can access up to $400 at once and, if desired, complete surveys or receipt scans to get Klover Points and unlock higher advances. Klover+ also includes budgeting and financial tools. 

Key features

  • Get a cash advance for up to $400
  • No credit check, no interest, no late fees, no tips
  • Earn points by completing optional activities
  • Automatic repayment on your next payday
  • Link your existing bank account

Fees

  • Free for cash advances (instant transfer fees apply); users can subscribe to Klover+ ($4.99 per month), which provides access to benefits like budgeting features

What users are saying: “I’ve been using the Klover app for several months now, and I can confidently say it’s one of the most immediate [cash] advance apps available.” — App Store review

Download Klover and access up to $400 right now. 

2. Dave

Dave offers paycheck advances, budgeting tools, and a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)-insured mobile banking account. Dave is an option if you need short-term cash flow coverage: its paycheck advances max out at $500, and it uses income patterns to determine eligibility and how much you can borrow. 

Key features

  • ExtraCash™ advances up to $500 (new users typically start lower)
  • No credit check for standard advances
  • Automatic repayment on the next payday
  • Optional mobile banking account with a debit card 
  • No overdraft fees 

Fees

  • $1 per month

What users are saying: Online reviews say that receiving payments through the Dave debit card is quick and easy. But Dave has had major security issues in the past. 

3. EarnIn

Earnin allows you to access up to $150 per day, up to $750 between paydays, with no credit check required. The Lightning Speed feature gives you instant access to funds for a $2.99 fee.

Key features

  • No required subscription fees or interest
  • Works with your existing bank account
  • Automatic repayment on payday
  • Optional Early Pay feature to have payroll direct deposited early (for a fee)
  • Requires steady payroll deposits 

Fees

  • None (optional tipping) 

What users are saying: “The app is easy to use… I [recommend] Earnin for anyone who wants to get extra money without all the hassle and damage for credit inquiries because of applying for numerous loans.” — TrustPilot review

4. Brigit

Brigit’s Instant Cash feature offers advances of $25–$250 (up to $500 for some plans). If you opt for the Premium plan, you can also access features like the Credit Builder program, which lets you report Brigit payments to build credit. 

Key features

  • Predictive balance alerts for low balances
  • Budgeting and spending tracking tools
  • No credit check or late fees
  • Side gigs, surveys, and discounts to boost cash flow

Fees

  • Free plan available, or pay $8.99 per month for Plus or $15.99 per month for Premium

What users are saying: “Wish the advance was a little higher, but it helps out when we are a little short on cash.” — TrustPilot review

5. Chime SpotMe

SpotMe is an overdraft protection feature built into the Chime banking platform. You must have a Chime checking account (with no monthly fees) to use SpotMe. One notable difference between SpotMe and similar programs is that you don’t request an advance. Instead, SpotMe automatically kicks in if you make a purchase that overdraws your account. 

Key features

  • No monthly fee, no interest, no late fees
  • Overdraft coverage for debit card purchases and ATM withdrawals
  • Must have a Chime checking account and qualifying direct deposits

Fees

  • No mandatory fees (must have a free Chime checking account)

What users are saying: “I'm not the best at managing my money, and Chime’s MyPay and SpotMe features really help me get through the month.” — TrustPilot review

6. Tilt (formerly Empower)

Tilt (previously called Empower) offers cash advances of up to $400. This app doesn’t require a credit check and claims that 75% of people qualify for quick cash. There is a monthly subscription cost, however, Tilt also offers other financial services including credit lines, credit cards, budgeting tools, and savings automation. 

Key features

  • No interest, no late fees
  • Free 1–2 day delivery, or get funds instantly for a fee
  • Optional credit-based products
  • Automated savings

Fees

  • 14-day free trial, then $8 per month

What users are saying: “I've been checking out this app, and it's pretty sweet for getting a little cash advance when you need it.” — TrustPilot review

7. Albert

As an all-in-one financial app, Albert includes more than just cash advances — you can also access banking, budgeting, and savings tools. Be aware that, while you can get an Instant Advance for free within the Albert app, you’ll have to pay a fee to immediately send money to an external bank account. 

Key features

  • No credit check, no interest, no late fees
  • Access funds between $25–$250
  • Use an Albert Cash debit card for cashback rewards
  • Budgeting, spending, and investing help

Fees

  • 30-day free trial, then plans start at $14.99

What users are saying: “They are always helpful and willing to work with their customers for the best possible experience. I always appreciate their quick responses!” — TrustPilot review

8. FloatMe

FloatMe lets you request small payday advances — usually $10–$50 for new users, working up to $100–$200. While there’s no interest on the advance itself, users report several hidden fees.  

Key features

  • Free standard ACH delivery, or get money instantly for a fee
  • No credit checks
  • Includes balance and overdraft alerts 
  • Must repay one advance before requesting another

Fees

  • $4.99 per month

What users are saying: “I downloaded the app in hopes I could get a little bit of help until my next paycheck. I was guaranteed $80, so I didn’t mind paying the $4.99 — only to find out my cash advance didn’t get approved.” — TrustPilot review

9. SoLo Funds

SoLo Funds is a community finance platform where users request and receive cash advances from each other (instead of from the app). This platform has higher advance amounts than other cash advance apps. However, you’ll only receive a requested payment if another user chooses to fund it, meaning SoLo isn’t ideal if you need money right away. 

Key features

  • Customize the amount and repayment date of your request
  • Instant transfer for a fee
  • No credit checks
  • May be able to request up to $625

Fees

  • No monthly subscription, but it does have late fees and optional tips

What users are saying: “Great concept, great platform, and easy to use. As long as you pay back on time… you can easily advance to higher limits.” — TrustPilot review

10. Cleo

Cleo is an AI-powered financial platform that includes cash advances, budgeting help, and savings. If you meet eligibility criteria, you can access up to $250 before payday.

Key features

  • No credit checks, no interest, no late fees
  • Automated savings, budgeting, and money management tools
  • Get payments immediately for a fee, or in 3–4 days for free

Fees

  • Plans start at $5.99 per month 

What users are saying: “No interest paying back and helps so much with my credit score.” — TrustPilot review

11. Varo

Varo is an online bank that includes a cash advance feature, allowing users to get up to $250 right away by linking a qualifying account. Varo charges a flat fee (ranging from $1.60 to $40) for each advance. Over time, users can build up to requesting $500. 

Key features

  • Must have a Varo Bank account with qualifying deposits 
  • No subscription, no interest, no late fees, no credit check
  • Flat fee for each cash advance
  • Receive funds immediately once approved
  • Repay any time you choose within 30 days

Fees

  • No subscription fee (flat fee per advance) 

What users are saying: “I brag to everyone at work because I get my check 2 days earlier than anyone else.” — TrustPilot review

12. Possible Finance

Possible offers small-dollar installment loans and other credit products through its mobile app. You can get short-term loans up to $500. Possible does charge interest on these loans, making it different (and possibly more expensive) than cash advance apps. Possible offers a separate feature that lets you access up to $300 of your upcoming paycheck. 

Key features

  • Get $300 for a cash advance 
  • No credit check
  • Reports payments to credit bureaus
  • Receive funds the same day

Fees

  • $15 per month, plus interest on loans

What users are saying: “Even with bad credit, the interest is extremely reasonable.” — TrustPilot review

How cash advance apps work: Step-by-step

A cash advance app works differently from a traditional loan. These apps are intended for short-term needs (like when a bill is due on Tuesday, but you won’t get paid until Friday). Typically, they don’t require a credit check and don’t charge interest. 

Most cash advance apps work like this:

  • Download the app and create an account.
  • Connect your existing bank account.
  • Verify your income (usually based on deposit history).
  • Request an advance on the paycheck you’ve earned but haven’t yet received.
  • Receive that money within a few days, or immediately with an instant transfer.
  • Automatically repay the advance when your paycheck comes in.

Think of cash advance apps as a “bridge” to get you through an odd timing gap before payday. Cash advances can help cover small, unexpected expenses or avoid overdraft fees. 

How to choose the best app for your situation

Remember, the “best” cash advance app is the one that fits your specific situation. Before downloading an app, think about how much money you need, how quickly you need it, and how much you’re willing to pay in fees to access that money ASAP.

  • If you need the highest limit: Consider ‘stacking’ advances (getting advances from a couple of apps, like Klover and Brigit) to get access to a higher amount of money. Remember to stack responsibly to bridge short-term cash gaps.
  • If you want the lowest cost: To minimize fees, look for apps that don’t charge interest and don’t request optional tips (Klover stands out here). 
  • If you need money instantly: Compare instant transfer options (does the app charge a fee?) and transfer reliability. Klover offers instant options with transparent pricing.
  • If you want to build credit: Most cash advance apps don’t report payments to credit bureaus. You may need to dig a little deeper to find one that does.
  • If you want budgeting tools alongside advances: Options like Klover+ help you improve your management with spending insights, credit monitoring, and budgeting tools.

MoneyLion vs. top competitors

App Advance Amount Monthly Subscription Fees Budgeting Tools Additional Considerations
MoneyLion Up to $1,000 None Yes Optional tip requests; integrated credit-building features
Klover Up to $400 Optional Yes No interest or late fees; can earn points to increase advance amounts
Dave Up to $500 $1 per month Yes Optional mobile banking account with debit card; no overdraft fees
Earnin Up to $750 per pay period None Yes Optional tips; requires steady payroll deposits

Cover cash gaps with Klover

The right cash advance app will help you bridge financial gaps, avoid debt, and stay on track with your budget when expenses don’t quite line up with payday.

Choose Klover for transparent pricing, no interest, no credit check, no late fees, and no hidden costs. You simply get fast access to your earned wages. And with Klover+, you get helpful budgeting tools to build better personal finance habits over time. 

Download Klover for free and access your earned wages today — with confidence that you’re staying in control of your finances.

FAQs

Can I use two cash advance apps at the same time?

Yes, you can use multiple cash advance apps simultaneously to increase your total available funds. Just track what you owe across all apps to avoid overdrafts when repayments hit your account.

Will a cash-advance app hurt my credit score?

No, most cash advance apps don't perform credit checks or report to credit bureaus, so they won't affect your credit score. Some apps like Possible Finance do report repayments, which can help build credit if you pay on time.

What if my paycheck arrives late?

Most apps adjust repayment timing based on when your deposit actually arrives, but contact customer support if you expect a delay. Some apps charge fees for failed repayments, so communicating early can prevent extra costs.